Article of Apparel with Storage System

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward an article of apparel including a storage system. In an embodiment, the article of apparel is an athletic brassiere (sports bra) including cups and lateral wings that wrap along the sides of the user. At least one of the wings defines a pocket adapted to receive an object for storage. The pocket includes a tension closure member that applies increasing pressure across the pocket opening as the load on the member increases. The storage system may further include an envelope adapted to be received by the pocket. The envelope, which may be water resistant, includes a tension closure member operable to apply increasing pressure along the envelope opening as load across the member increases.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a nonprovisional of 62/251,713, entitled ARTICLE OF APPAREL WITH STORAGE SYSTEM and filed 6 Nov. 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article of apparel and, in particular, to an athletic bra.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Women's exercise apparel has been somewhat deficient in providing placement for small personal items. During exercise, whether on a jog, or at the gym, an individual must account for placing personal items such as money or a spare key in a secure location. Ordinarily, purses provide an adequate solution to this problem. Purses, however, are impractical to use during exercise as they would impede freedom of movement and distract from the activity undertaken by the user. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a bra with a pocket that eliminates the need for carrying extraneous articles or large, unfashionable pockets to store personal items during exercise.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward an article of apparel including a storage system. In an embodiment, the article of apparel is an athletic brassiere (sports bra) including a pocket adapted to receive an object for storage. The pocket includes a tension closure member configured to apply increasing pressure across a pocket opening as the load on the closure member increases. The storage system may further include an envelope adapted to be received by the pocket. The envelope may further include a tension closure member operable to apply increasing pressure along the envelope opening as load across the member increases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a sports bra in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear view of a sports bra in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the sports bra shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1D illustrates a close-up view of the sports bra shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing the pocket closure member in a normal, no-load position.

FIG. 1E illustrates a close-up view of the sports bra shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing the pocket closure member under load.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an envelope in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a rear view of the envelope of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates a left side view of the envelope of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D illustrates a right side view of the envelope of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E illustrates a front view of the envelope of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F illustrates a close-up view of the envelope of FIG. 2A, showing the closure member in a normal, unloaded state.

FIG. 2G illustrates a close-up view of the envelope of FIG. 2A, showing the closure member under load.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An article of apparel is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E and FIGS. 2A-2G. As shown, the article of apparel 10 is a brassiere (e.g., an athletic or sports bra) including a body defining a forward portion 100A (configured to be oriented along the front of the wearer), a rearward portion 100B (configured to be oriented along the back of the wearer), a first lateral portion 105A (configured to be oriented on a first (e.g., left) side of the wearer) and second lateral portion 105B (configured to be oriented along a second (e.g., right) side of the wearer). A continuous band 110, positioned along the lower end 115 of the body, spans the portions 100A, 100B, 105A, 105B, being configured to encircle the user while worn.

The body of the article of apparel 10 (e.g., one or more of its portions 100A, 100B, 105A, 105B) may include an outer textile layer shell 120A and an inner (user-facing) textile layer or lining 120B. The outer 120A and inner 120B textile layers possesses a predetermined elongation value. Elongation is the deformation in the direction of load caused by a tensile force. Elongation may be measured in units of length (e.g., millimeters, inches, etc.) or may be calculated as a percentage of the original specimen length in its relaxed (unstretched) position. Typically, elongation is measured at a specified load such as the breaking load. In an embodiment, the first textile layer is a stretch or elastic fabric. Elastic or stretch fabrics are fabrics which are able to expand under load and regain their original form when the load is removed (a property called recovery). Elastic and stretch fabrics are typically made from an elastomer (i.e., fibers, filaments or yarn including an elastomer), either alone or in combination with other (non-elastomer) fibers, filaments, or yarns. Elastomers include, but are not limited to, rubber, polybutadiene, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester-polyurethane copolymers (spandex/elastane), a biconstituent filament (elasterell), an elastoester, lastol, and polyisoprene (elastodiene). Elastomers may be integrated as raw fibers, or may be woven, bundled, or braided into the fabric. In addition, some stretch fabrics may be formed without the use of elastomers.

Elastomeric fibers are typically used in combination with relatively inelastic fibers, such as polyester, cotton, nylon, rayon or wool (called hard fibers). In an embodiment, the proportion of elastomeric fibers in the fabric may include about 20% by weight or less (e.g., from about 1% to about 20% by weight) to provide desired stretch and recovery properties of the fabric. In another embodiment, the elastomer concentration is greater than 20%. By way of example, the first textile layer 205 includes a blend of polyester, nylon, and elastane (e.g., 40-55 wt % polyester; 30-35 wt % nylon, and 10-20 wt % elastane).

The elastic or stretch fabric forming the inner and/or outer textile layers may be a comfort stretch or power stretch fabric. Comfort stretch fabrics generate an elongation of less than 30% (e.g., about 5%-30%) under load. Stated another way, comfort stretch fabric is a term that applies to fabrics with less than 30% stretch factors. Power stretch fabrics generate an elongation of about 30%-50%. Accordingly, power stretch fabrics have a higher degree of extensibility, as well as quick recovery. Stretch factors generally range from 30% to 50% and with no more than 5% to 6% loss in recovery. In still other embodiments, the first textile layer 205 may be a fabric having or over 100% stretch factors (elongation).

The elastic or stretch fabric may be a mono-elastic fabric, which stretches in a single, longitudinal or horizontal direction (also called a two way stretch fabric) or bi-elastic fabric, which stretch in both longitudinal and horizontal directions (also called a four-way stretch fabric.

The inner textile layer 120B may further include two-way and/or four-way stretch properties the same or different from the stretch properties of the outer shell 120A. In an embodiment, the stretch value (percent of stretch) of the inner lining 120B is less than the stretch of the outer shell 120B.

Each of the outer and inner textile layers 120A, 120B is preferably a knit fabric. Knit fabrics include interlocking looped stitches, with the interlocking loops of yarn creating lengthwise ribs called wales and crosswise lines called courses. In single knits, the wales are visible from the right side of the fabric and the courses are visible on the fabric's wrong side. Knitting can further be used to provide elongation properties to the first textile layer. Knit fabrics are typically classified by their amount of stretch. Firm, stable knits have very little stretch. Moderate stretch knits are those that stretch about 25% in the crosswise direction. Interlock knits are lightweight and drapable, and are slightly heavier than jersey knit, making them easier to handle than jersey knit.

The inner textile layer 120B, moreover, may possess greater breathability than the textile forming the outer textile layer 120A. By way of example, the material forming the inner textile layer 120B may be a mesh fabric or perforated fabric. Additionally, the inner textile layer may move moisture and/or water vapor at a higher rate than that of the outer layer. Accordingly, heat or moisture generated by the body during movement may be removed from the skin surface or the layer immediately above the skin surface and into the outer layer, where it will minimize wearer discomfort.

The forward portion 120A of the bra body includes a first or left cup 125A and a second or right cup 125B. A first strap 130A and second strap 130B extend from the forward portion 110A to the rearward portion 110B, overlapping along the rear of the body. As such, each strap 130A, 130B is configured to pass over a corresponding the shoulder, intersecting the other strap along the back of the wearer.

The body of the article of apparel 10 further includes a storage compartment operable to hold an item while the article is worn. By way of example, a storage compartment may be formed in one of the side portions 105A, 105B of the body (also called a wing portion). In the embodiment illustrated, the second body portion 105B includes a storage compartment 135 with a pocket 140 with an opening 145. The pocket 140 defines a cavity operable to house an item. The pocket 140 includes an inner (user-facing) pocket wall 146 and an outer (exterior facing) pocket wall 147. In an embodiment, the inner lining 120B forms the inner pocket wall 146, while the outer shell 120A forms the outer pocket wall 147. The perimeter 152 of the pocket is formed via stitching along three contiguous sides to define the cavity. The remaining, non-stitched edge 153 defines a pocket opening 145. In an embodiment, the opening is oriented vertically, extending upward (head to toe) along the body.

The storage compartment further includes a closure member 150 operable to cover the pocket opening 145, thereby containing items within the pocket cavity. The closure member 150 is adapted to increase compression across the pocket opening 145 as the load across a dimension of the closure member increases. In an embodiment, the closure member 150 is formed of a resilient textile possessing two-way or four way stretch properties. By way of example, elastane-plated yarn or a texturized yarn may be incorporated into the textile structure forming the closure member (e.g., the knit structure or the woven structure). In an embodiment, the closure member 150 is formed of the same material as that forming the outer textile layer 120A (e.g., a four-way stretch knit). The closure member 150 is shaped to cover the pocket opening 145 and overlap pocket edge 153. Specifically, the closure member 150 may be an elongated band extending vertically, and possessing a greater length than width (horizontal dimension in the figures). In operation, the closure member 150 (the material forming the closure member 150) is biased towards a normal, unstretched or unloaded position, but is capable of stretching under load (discussed in greater detail below).

The closure member 150 is anchored along its rearward edge via stitching 155 running generally vertically (head to toe) along the brassiere body. The closure member 150, furthermore, is anchored along its upper edge by upper stitching 160A and its lower edge (along band) by lower stitching 160B, thereby defining a free edge 165 positioned forward the pocket opening 145. The closure member 150 extends forward from the stitching 155 to a position forward the pocket opening 145 along the outer pocket wall. Stated another way, the width of the closure member 150 is selected such that the closure member overlaps the pocket 145 along its opened edge. In an embodiment, the pocket opening 145 is positioned proximate the midline of the closure member 150.

It should be understood, however, that the pocket opening 145 and closure member 150 may be positioned in other orientations. For example, the pocket opening 145 may be oriented forward, toward the cup 125A, 125B with the closure member 150 being anchored more forward than the pocket opening 145. Alternatively, the pocket opening 145 may be oriented horizontally. The closure member 150, accordingly, would be anchored at the upper edge and extend downward to cover the pocket opening 145.

With the above-described configuration, the closure member 150 adapts to the load conditions of the pocket. For example, the closure member 150 begins in a first, generally relaxed or unstretched configuration (FIG. 1D). This generally occurs when the pocket 140 is empty and/or the bra 10 is subject to low tensile forces (e.g., the user is engaged in basic activities such as walking). As the load across the closure 150 increases, however, the closure applies increasing pressure along the pocket opening 145 to maintain contact with the outer pocket wall. The closure member 150, being formed of resilient fabric, is biased toward its normal condition. Accordingly, applying a load to the textile in either the horizontal or vertical axis of the member not only stretches the fabric, but increases the compression force applied by the closure member 150. As the pocket 140 is filled with items, or as the user engages in strenuous activity involving high levels of movement (i.e., movement that generates tensile forces), the load on the closure member 150 will increase along one or more axes. This, in turn, will cause the closure member 150 to become taught against the pocket outer wall 153 (FIG. 1E), securely capturing the stored items within the pocket cavity.

Additionally, when the outer pocket wall 147 is formed of resilient, stretch material, the wall applies compressive force to objects placed therein. That is, the outer pocket wall 147 clamps down on the objects to prevent their shifting within the pocket and/or to secure the object securely against the inner lining (i.e., the user). As noted above, the compressive force applied by the pocket wall 147 and the closure member 147 may be the same, or each may apply a different amount of compressive force.

In an embodiment, the brassiere 10 is a storage system including the pocket and a removable envelope or pouch. As seen best in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, the pouch 200 possesses a unitary construction including a front panel portion 205A, a rear panel portion 205B, and a pouch closure member 210. That is, the front panel portion 205A and the rear panel portion 205B may be a single piece of material folded along lower fold line 212 and secured along its lateral edges 213A, 213B via stitching. The front panel 205A and rear panel 205B cooperate to form a pouch cavity operable to receive an item for storage that is accessed via a pouch opening 215 defined by the free edge of the front panel portion 205A. The pouch 200 may be formed of a resilient, stretch textile such as a four-way knit.

The closure member 210 may be integral with rear panel portion 205B, curving about fold line 220 such that closure member edge 225 extends below pocket opening. The lateral sides of the closure member 210 may be secured to its corresponding lateral edge 213A, 213B via stitching. With this construction, a tension closure similar to that of the bra pocket 130 is provided. That is, the closure member 210 begins in a first, generally relaxed or unstretched configuration when the pocket is empty (FIG. 2F). In this state, the closure is easily movable relative to the opening 215, permitting a user to easily place items within pouch cavity. As the tensile load across the width of the closure increases (which occurs as objects are placed therein), the closure 210 applies increasing pressure along the pocket opening 215, becoming more taught to secure items within the pouch cavity (FIG. 2G) and/or maintaining contact with the front panel portion 205A.

The material forming the pouch 200 may be any suitable for its particular purpose. As noted above, in an embodiment, the pouch 200 is formed of textile possessing two-way or four-way stretch properties. Additionally, the interior surface and/or exterior surface of the pouch may be coated with a durable, water resistant coating. Alternatively, the material forming the pouch may be a water-resistant or water-proof (e.g., rubber, plastic, latex, etc.). When a coating (e.g., a durable, water-resistant coating or DWR) is applied the exterior surface of the front 205A and rear 205B panel portions, the interior-facing surface of the closure member 210 (i.e., the surface that contacts the front panel portion 205A) may further be coated. With this configuration, the inner closure member surface contacts the outer surface of the front panel portion 205A, creating a seal along the area of contact. This construction protects objects placed within the pouch 200 from moisture during use (e.g., sweat, inclement weather, etc.).

The pouch 200 possesses dimensions slightly less than those of the bra pocket cavity. Accordingly, it may be received within bra pocket cavity. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in operation, the pouch 200 is inserted into the bra pocket cavity via opening 145.

With the above configuration, an article of apparel including a storage system highly effective in securing items is provided. The tension closure system adapts to the amount and/or size of items stored within the pocket, applying more as less pressure along the pocket opening. In addition, forming at least the outer wall of the bra pocket out of two-way or four-way stretch fabric permits the pocket structure to clamp down on objects stored therein. That is, the pocket is generally unstretched in its resting position. Placing an object within the pocket stretches the outer pocket wall, generating a compression force on objects within the cavity (since the fabric is biased towards its relaxed state). As a result, the objects are held closely to the body of the wearer, preventing shifting of objects during movement. These features combine to provide improved storage ability over conventional garments. The pouch, moreover, enables the user to protect the stored items from moisture.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “interior”, “exterior”, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. 

We claim:
 1. A sports bra configured to be worn on a torso, the article comprising: a forward portion including a first cup and a second cup, the forward portion configured to be oriented along a front of the torso; a rearward portion configured to be oriented along a rear of the torso; and a lateral portion configured to be oriented along a side of the torso, wherein the lateral portion comprises a compartment including an opening and a closure member spanning the opening, the closure member being operable to apply increasing force with increasing load across the closure.
 2. The sports bra according to claim 1, wherein: the compartment includes a pocket including an interior wall and an exterior wall, the first and second walls cooperating to define a cavity accessed via the opening; and the closure member overlaps the exterior wall to cover the opening.
 3. The sports bra according to claim 2, wherein the pocket is formed of a textile operable to stretch from a normal state to a stretched state.
 4. The sports bra according to claim 3, wherein the closure member is formed of a textile operable to stretch from a normal state to a stretched state.
 5. The sports bra according to claim 4, wherein the pocket walls possess a first stretch or recovery value and the closure member possesses a second, different stretch or recovery value.
 6. The sports bra according to claim 1, wherein the bra further comprises a first strap configured to span a first shoulder of the torso and a second strap configured to span a second should of the torso.
 7. The sports bra according to claim 6, wherein the bra is formed of a first textile layer and a second textile layer, the second textile layer possessing higher breathability than the first textile layer.
 8. A sports bra comprising: a forward portion including a first cup and a second cup; a first lateral portion coupled to a first side of the forward portion proximate the first cup; a second lateral portion coupled to the forward portion proximate the second cup; and a storage system disposed within the side portion, the storage system comprising a pocket defined by an outer layer and an inner layer of the side portion and a storage pouch removably housed within the pocket.
 9. A sports bra according to claim 8, wherein the pouch includes an opening and a closure member spanning the opening, the closure member being operable to apply increasing force with increasing load across the closure.
 10. The sports bra according to claim 9, wherein: the storage pouch includes a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls cooperating to define a cavity accessed via the opening; and the closure member is coupled to the first wall and overlaps the second wall such that it spans the opening.
 11. The sports bra according to claim 10, wherein the pouch is formed of a textile operable to stretch from a normal state to a stretched state.
 12. The sports bra according to claim 11, wherein the closure member is formed of a textile operable to stretch from a normal state to a stretched state.
 13. The sports bra according to claim 12, wherein the pocket walls possess a first stretch or recovery value and the closure member possesses a second, different stretch or recovery value.
 14. The sports bra according to claim 1, wherein the bra further comprises a first strap configured to span a first shoulder of the torso and a second strap configured to span a second should of the torso.
 15. The sports bra according to claim 14, wherein the bra is formed of a first textile layer and a second textile layer, the second textile layer possessing higher breathability than the first textile layer. 